Hawkeyes Make a Difference

Help us reach our goal!

Since 1882, The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics has focused on meeting the needs of our patients. Clinical care frames and undergirds our approach to dental education and our commitment to translating oral science research and discovery into reality for our patients.   

As the only dental school in the State of Iowa and a nationally leading program in terms of clinical experience, the college plays a vital role in meeting the oral health needs of Iowans.

160,000

Patient visits each year.

98 of 99

Iowa counties have our dental graduates practicing there.

14.2

of every 100,000 Iowans will develop oral cancer.

The State of Iowa has the highest rate of oral cancer in the country at 14.2 per 100,000 people.

  • Excellence in patient care makes a difference for each patient seen.

  • Excellence in health care education makes a difference in each patient seen by future dentists and specialists.

  • Excellence in research and discovery revolutionizes and transforms oral health care for millions.

Together, Hawkeyes advance research and discovery

Hongli Sun conducting research

Iowa Dentistry continues to rapidly expand its research and discovery, exceling in regenerative biomedicine, genetic research, and biomaterials, alongside an innovative oral cancer program. This expansive research and discovery mission is establishing Iowa as a global leader in oral science research, which benefits everyday Iowans.

2nd

in the Big 10 for research dollars received

In 2022, Iowa received $5.4 million in research funding from The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). These funds account for about half of Iowa Dentistry's external research support.

$9,471,347

in external research funding received.

Since 2020, Iowa Dentistry's seed grants have resulted in almost $10 million in external research funding. These funds are excellent tools to recruit and retain high-caliber, early career faculty.

Together, Hawkeyes educate the next generation.

White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2027 and the Advanced Standing Class of 2025

As a national leader in the amount and quality of student clinical experiences, our students receive an unparalleled dental education over the course of their four years. These patient experiences and our comprehensive educational programs ensure that Iowa’s dental workforce meets the current and future needs of the state.

1,135

students applied to our DDS program in 2023

This record-breaking number shows that Iowa remains a destination DDS program for students from all over the country.

10 of 12

recognized advanced training programs available

The American Dental Association recognizes 12 dental advanced specialties. With 10 advanced training programs and two other innovative programs, our students receive the highest quality dental education.

Together, Hawkeyes transform clinical technology

Together, Hawkeyes transform clinical technology

New technologies are transforming the practice of dentistry. Whether it’s computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to design and 3D-printed restorations, dentures or implants; intraoral digital scanners for fast and accurate images; or high-resolution monitors for simulation clinics, Iowa is committed to helping our students thrive as they learn to use and apply these transformative technologies.

8

In-house 3D printers

Iowa Dentistry has 8 in-house 3D printers that have enabled the college to fabricate a wide variety of dental materials, ranging from dentures to invisible aligners.

80

Simulation Operatories

The Sim Clinic, Iowa Dentistry's hands-on skills clinic, has 80 operatories that are intended to help first- and second-year dental students practice in a realistic, simulated environment.

A Global Leader

Mary Young with her mentor Azeez Butali

Spearheading an International Network of Cleft Lip and Palate Research for African Populations

Thursday, January 18, 2024
Azeez Butali is a global leader in cleft lip and palate research and the world’s foremost expert in the genetics of these conditions in African populations. As part of his research mission, he has also spearheaded the formation of a diverse, international network of researchers in Africa and the US to develop, refine, and apply their findings for the benefit of African populations and their genetic descendants. 

Making a Difference in Iowa

Karin Weber-Gasparoni high-fiving a patient in the WIC clinic

Preventive Oral Health Care for Toddlers and Infants

Thursday, January 18, 2024
Karin Weber-Gasparoni is passionate about supporting new caregivers and improving oral health for underserved populations. Her collaborative clinical research initiatives are transforming oral health care for toddlers and infants in Iowa, and are laying the foundation for changing how oral health care is provided for the youngest of us.

A Destination Dental School That Makes a Difference for Iowans

Mary Young with her mentor Azeez Butali

Spearheading an International Network of Cleft Lip and Palate Research for African Populations

Thursday, January 18, 2024
Azeez Butali is a global leader in cleft lip and palate research and the world’s foremost expert in the genetics of these conditions in African populations. As part of his research mission, he has also spearheaded the formation of a diverse, international network of researchers in Africa and the US to develop, refine, and apply their findings for the benefit of African populations and their genetic descendants. 
A sunrise over the Dental Science Building

Together, Hawkeyes can usher in a new day for Iowa Dentistry

Wednesday, January 17, 2024
As Iowa Dentistry continues to flourish for the benefit of our State, it requires continuous support from our Hawkeye community to recruit and retain faculty, support student wellness and success, build for the future, and transform clinic technologies.
Seed Grant

Iowa Dentistry Announces 2024 Seed Grant Awards

Wednesday, January 17, 2024
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry is pleased to announce the 2024 Seed Grant Awards. This is the fourth year of the seed grant program, and these grants fund innovative projects from early-career investigators or established investigators who are developing a new line of research.
Dr. Chonghwa Kim headshot

Kim Joins Department of Family Dentistry

Thursday, January 11, 2024
Dr. Chonghwa Kim started in the Department of Family Dentistry on Dec. 29 after several years in South Korea.

Evaluation of the Waiver of Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Coverage in the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan

Sunday, December 10, 2023
Kandyce Larson, Brooke McInroy, Tessa Heeren, Elizabeth T Momany and Peter C Damiano, 2023
Kyungsup Shin speaking during the ABO panel discussion.

Shin shares experiences during ABO panel

Wednesday, November 29, 2023
Kyungsup Shin, the Ross D. Christensen Family Professor of Orthodontics and Graduate Program Director, spoke on a panel during the annual meeting of the American Board of Orthodontics in St. Louis.
Michael Chavez receiving an award

Michael Chavez wins research award

Friday, November 17, 2023
Third-year DDS/PhD student Michael Chavez received an award for most outstanding student presentation for his project “Exogenous Bone Sialoprotein Enhances Alveolar Bone Healing in Mice.”
Rachel Shrode

NIH Awards Fitzjerrells Training Grant to Investigate Relationship Between Oral Microbiome and Multiple Sclerosis

Thursday, November 16, 2023
Rachel Fitzjerrells a T90 trainee in the Iowa Institute of Oral Health Research and a PhD student in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, was awarded an F31 grant.
A fall morning at the Dental Science Building

UI College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics named Iowa City’s dental clinic of choice

Monday, November 13, 2023
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics was voted by the community as Iowa City's best dental clinic.
Eleanor Fleming delivering the Rhys B. Jones Keynote Address at Midwest Dental Public Health Conference, October 15, 2023.

Iowa Dentistry hosts regional Dental Public Health conference

Thursday, November 2, 2023
Iowa Dentistry hosted the Midwest Dental Public Health Conference on October 15-16, 2023. With lectures from dental public health experts around the country and throughout the Midwest, the conference was a great success.